Kelchen teaches in the higher education administration masters and doctoral programs at Seton Hall. His research prepares him to work with students on cutting-edge dissertations and places him in front of state and national policy audiences.

“I am thrilled to be included in the Edu-Scholar Public Influence Rankings because the rankings recognize professors who have their voices heard in education policy discussion,” Kelchen wrote in an email. “As a junior faculty member, I’m thrilled that my scholarly research and efforts to communicate with the public are being recognized here.”

Michael G. Flanigan, who is pursuing his PhD in the Higher Education Leadership and Management Program, a former student of Kelchen’s and a member of the dissertation committee of which Kelchen chairs, commented on Kelchen’s qualities as a professor.

“Professor Kelchen stands out from other professors in several ways,” Flanigan said. “He is foremost a teacher which is a quality rarely found in professors. This is an ability to communicate material in a very understandable manner devoid of hyperbole. He is extremely well prepared to teach his class and critically debate relevant points and issues with his students. He is also expeditious in his responses to submitted assignments and queries.”

According to Kelchen, many faculty members conduct great research on education, but few publish their research.

“Through my blog and my Twitter account, I have had the chance to talk with Congressional staff members, state legislators, and journalists from around the world. I can then pass what I learn on to my students through teaching courses and advising dissertations,” Kelchen said.

Kelly Childs, the former Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing at Seton Hall, and a current PhD student at Seton Hall whose dissertation committee mentor is Kelchen, commented on Kelchen’s teaching style.

“Dr. Kelchen is a phenomenal educator because he forces you to push yourself to discover, question, and develop strong individual thoughts that can be supported by research,”

Childs said. “He has an ability to teach complicated information in a direct and engaging way. He keeps up on the latest news and research which makes his classes extremely valuable and leads to highly energetic conversations in class. I admire his ability to juggle it all, while always prioritizing his students. His dedication to us is what I admire the most.”